[Mergatroid]

I was wondering if you ever got the jpeg that I sent you via your web site e-mail? the image was of a cowboy entering a saloon if that helps to refresh the menory a bit.

Art Proulx wanted me to tell you that everyone here says hello.

[Anthony]

I don't think Spooge knows how to use his email client yet. He always tries to shade that "delete" button a little better, and all those little email thingys disappear. ^_^

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-Anthony
Carpe Carpem

[Loki]

Megadude - Spooge is reeeeaaaallly busy doing all those images you like to see so much on his page ... that's why he rarely has time to answer emails - just be patient, young Jedi, and don't pester him - I'm sure when he's got a free minute he'll take a look at it - just depends on when he's ever got a free minute

[synj]

what a waste of a post, merg. eheh

almost as much as this one

[spooge demon]

Umm, yeah.

As I said somewhere before, my email is pretty useless. It is swamped. It would take me several hours a day to answer all of it. I feel strange describing it this way, big fucking shot artist here, but it is just true.

Mergatroid, I remember your pic. How bout if I answer you here?

[Mergatroid]

Spooge,

Whenever you can comment on it is fine with me and I really appreciate the time taken. As soon as I get my act together and figure out a way to post then I wont have to bug you directly. Anyway, good luck on your little show tonight and maybe I'll see you there.


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Mergatroid

[Freddio]

Spooge thanks for your time on this forum all your posts help everyone

[Farwalker]

I second Freddio's comment.

---- www.gamingvault.com

[dgordon]

I third the comment, (if there is such a thing a third).. and to all the other artist who pitch in. Only being here a short time. There is alot of bits of info and advice; that is worth coming back to see what else might have been brought up or mentioned.

[AliasMoze]

Here here. If I ever become a good painter, I think I'll have to credit Spooge and Fred as my biggest teachers. Spooge, we realize your time is limited. Just wanted to say how invaluable the info is that you post.

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AliasMoze
:) :) :) :)
"That activates my hilarity unit."

[Nex]

pluralis majestaetis?

[Francis]

I was there with some people from Presto (Fred, Wacomonkey) and met feng, manic monkey and pimento (?). Great lecture from all three guys, Barry Jackson, John Watkiss and Craig Mullins. John Watkiss showed a lot of beautiful preproduction paintings from Tarzan, as well as a lot of other portrait and personal work. One of the great quotes from him was something like "In England, comic book artists are one step above child molesters in terms of esteem in society." Fred can probably give a more educated analysis of his artwork.

Barry Jackson showed a lot of movie preproduction stuff as well, including stuff from Cool World and Los Gringos, a great cg animated short about a cowboy and a samurai on which he was the production designer. You can get a streaming version here:

http://www.mediatrip.com/film/movies_on_demand/381.html

Craig was great as well - his presentation was a lot less rehearsed or "polished" than the other two guys. I got the feeling that they are a lot more used to speaking to large groups than Craig is, which I didn't mind so much. He showed some stuff we've seen before, as well as a couple of things that I'd never seen, like an incredible matte painting for the Final Fanatasy movie. He talked a little bit about his educational background and some of the methods he uses in his paintings, like using other images to create a canson paper-like "noise" underneath the paintings to add texture. He also said that he only uses a few custom brushes, and usually just uses the regular round brushes a lot. Also, he talked about the forum a little bit, and after the lecture several of us got to chat with him for a half hour or so.

It was a great talk, well worth the 2-3 hour drive up.

Anyone else have any impressions?

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Francis Tsai
TeamGT Studios

[AliasMoze]

Do you know if anyone recorded Craig's presentation. If so, will it be digitized.
pant, pant, pant.

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AliasMoze
:) :) :) :)
"That activates my hilarity unit."

[WacoMonkey]

I'll second Francis's opinion of last night's talk - great job done by all. I was most surprised by Barry Jacksons work, since I was already pretty familiar with Craig and John's recent stuff. His design concepts from the ill-fated "Schreck" just blew me away!! Very different from the work of his I'd seen before. A lot of very interesting insights into the Hollywood "system" too. Hope Barry publishes a book of this stuff, otherwise it may never see the light of day.

We had a monster group up there, 6 of us from Presto drove up, as well as Ron's (Fred Flick's) roommate and fellow kick-ass life drawing teacher Eric Gist, and we met up with a few buddies from up L.A.-way: Benny Terry and Chris Hunt, as well as Steve Platt and Chris Lichtner from StormWorks (SoulSaga for you comic fans). Feng, Manic Monkey, - great to finally meet you guys in person.

Craig - Great to meet you in person at long last. Thanks for taking a look at my stuff, sorry you had to take off. I look forward to seeing what you did on my piece! Next time you're down in San Diego you'll have to stop by our shop and see what we're up to.

Anyway, I highly recommend these events. Very inspiring. I just hope there are more of them!

[Fred Flick Stone]

Hola. Yeah, the forum is finally back up again. I haven't been looking from the major dissappointment I get when it doesn't want to go live...damn technology.

Last nights peformance, er uhm lecture, was amazing. I went with guys from work, Francis, and Wacomonkey. Met Pimento and Manikmonkey there, and Feng. All a bunch of great people eager to learn from the best.

I did not record the speech, nor did anyone in our group as far as I can remember. But then again, there wasn't a whole lot to record during the lecture. It was after the fact where I wish I had recorded some of the things that were mentioned.

Craig is an amazingly humble guy. I have more respect for him now than ever before. He spoke the way I think I would have at a lecture like that, with two other great illustrators who have been working much longer than I . I would want to sit and here them talk, as I would be just a pup.

John Watkiss had an amazing body of work with him, and a witty british sense of humor taboot. He really inspired me last night, made me see where I can push this stuff we call art, and tweak it the way I want it also, not so sterile and client driven only. I also learned a whole number of ways to produce sketchwork, with all sorts of Euro influence. John is going to start his own institute of art in Los Angeles some thime here in the near future. I highly, not I demand that any good artist wanting to learn what to do in the entertainment field go there. You wont find too many others as passionate as he about the need to learn art the "Right" way.

And finally, Barry Jackson. He was a guy I saw talk about ten years ago or so, right after cool world came out. He was yet a green and humble illustrator. Now, he is a riot, and quite the theatrical type when dictating a story. He was a lot of fun to hear, talking about his stints with ZZ Top and the Grateful Dead, and problems he had with certain big time Hollywood types. His art is truly amazing to look at, if there is a site for him available, I highly recommend it. I think you all too will be equally inspired.

Craig's matt paintings posted on his site do not do justice to what they really look like in the buff. There is so much more that goes into them than meets the eye. All the JPeg compression really kills all the beautiful brush work, mouse work he has put into the images. THere is so much more there, and is really cool to see. His 500 nations? series, ack, I was all choked up seeing the amount of detail that was expressed and not emphasized. If one looked closesly at the pyramids, they looked like every brick was painted in, but zoom in, and there is merely this controlled layer of spaghetti that perfectly represents what it should. I was in awe.
One image, well, actually two images that I wish Craig would post are two I think none of you have seen before. One was a gouache rendering of a car, that looked straight out of the Syd Mead collection. In gouache, Craig could render like a madman. It was really great to see how much control he had over that medium before he jumped into the digital world.
The other image he showed was one of a beautiful lady holding a basket I think it was. Done in the same palette as his Malibu hills plein air painting, it had the quality and color of Sorolla, and the freshness of a Sorolla or Sargent.

And A big pleasure was to see Barry Jackson's Los Gringos. I love that anamation. Most all the backgroud plates, smoke plates etc were nothing more than photoshop layers. The depth and volume they got out fo those was genius. I think Francis posted the URL to get to it. Well worth seeing.

But as I said earlier, it was the mingling where the real nitty grittys were told. Nothing Craig hasn't already mentioned on the forum already, but to hear it all at once in context to everything else mentioned, it was quite enlightening.
I commend Manikmonkey and Pomento for driving six hours to see the talk. I hope it really got them inspired about art even more.
And, really, it would have been ok to record, but it wouldn't be anything you guys were thinking might be mentioned. It was more of a who I am, and this is what I do kind of thing. Going to any of these guys websites and checking out their art would be 10 yards shy of actually being there so ya'll didn't miss anything that might have been revelationary or anything of biblical proportions. I thoroughly enjoyed the speech though, as I love to hear what other artists have to say, and I like to see the other artists dispositions when put under stress as a lecture can. You really get to find a lot out about the artists personally, what they are like, how they carry themselves etc. Craig, you did great. You looked like you were sweating bullets every now and again, but what you said was clear, consise, and was really all you had to say. You didn't gas bag or anything like that.
Craig, John, and Barry, thank you for the wonderful lecture, and a glimpse into your world.

[AliasMoze]

I am so green with envy I look like a scrawny Incredible Hulk. God I would love to have seen Craig's presentation.

I've noticed that Craig uses photos underneath his paintings. Can someone talk a little bit more about this process, as shown in the presentation?

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AliasMoze
:) :) :) :)
"That activates my hilarity unit."

[Mergatroid]

For the most part I'd have to agree with Fred. the part of the show that I enjoyed the best were the Q&A's, especially when one of the guy's in front of me has asked how long it took Craig to do one of his PS sketches because it got so quiet after his answer.

John Watkiss reminded me of Eddie Izzard without the dress, but only alittle. His work was amazing though, especially the production drawings for Tarzan.

I'd also seen barry's work some time back but I'm not too sure if was ten years ago (at least I hope not). his stuff was pretty good but I think that he thinks too highly of himself. This is especially apparent when he's teaching or at the faculty meetings. I like it better when people are humble and honest about their acheivements.

Anyway, I wish I could've put a face on those of you who had shown up. Maybe at another show I'll get a chance to meet some of you.


Late,

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Mergatroid

[Fred Flick Stone]

Alias-he mentioned this briefly. I do not want to put words in his mouth, hopefully he will come over to this topic and better explain. He mentioned he uses a photo type image for a ground. Much like canson paper. A middle ground if you will, and from there, he builds up his images. He says he used to use photos sporatically through his work, but never rely upon them as the foundation to work around. I really wish he would explain this, I understand it, but I don't think I am doing his philosophy justice.
He did mention that he uses images of his cat as a nice ground, I thought that was very interesting, and quite funny. It was also quite funny to see the reactions people had when Craig mentioned the little amount of time it took him to do a few of the images he showed. Again, most impressive. That show really jazzed me up to start with some fresh approaches. I will post them if they turn out any ok at all...

[AliasMoze]

Fred, so how much time did he say? I'm curious now

[Rinaldo]

I've always wanted to see some of those Mullins painings in full size without compression. In the few instances where he's given a blown up detail, I'm amazed.

Maybe he could put a large file up on his site like very month or just for a few days and tell everyone.

I've learnt a lot from those close ups.

[Fred Flick Stone]

He showed the image of the gladiator he scratched together for the forum, and said it took about a half hour. No one said a word. I laughed outloud. I guess no one at art center knows how to use photoshop yet, or they wouldn't have acted so dumbfounded. I thought it was a funny moment. Sorta like one of John Watkisses jokes, only in the laughs on you sorta way. Not cynical, just funny. That Art Center has so many computers, and from what I saw, everyones art looks exactly the same. Really sad. A couple of us were out in a hall looking at all the computers, and this one lab had about 12 to 15 students crunching away at task, and I blurted a little louder than I should have to my friends that I was so glad I didn't go there, or I would be completely sterile. We all laughed, but what I laughed at was the 12 to 15 necks that cracked looking at the door to see who said that. I think I either humored them, bummed their trip or pissed em off. But it was funny, for the moment. Guess you had to be there...

[WildMyth]

Fred-it cracks me up just visualizing you saying that, ouch my side hurts. I bet some of them are rethinking where they have invested their money.

[Mergatroid]

Who here at the forum attended "Break Out 2000" and what did you think about it? What were some of the hi-lights in your opinions?
Were there any pleasant surprises in terms of your overall expectations from the three atrists that night? I think maybe a more informal one should be held by those who are a part of the forum, anyway looking forward to from everyone.

[Matt]

Yeah, I'll bet everyone from Syd Mead to Ralph McQuarrie to Matt Mahurin to whatsit (who's that digital painter guy?) are just kicking themselves.

Not everyone from a place like ACCD will be a star, but that was never the assertion, was it?

These observations were likely made while wandering around the ID section of campus, adjacent to the computer labs and the Times media center. This is an excellent place to see a lot fo work that looks similar. Of course, it's also an excellent place to see a lot of work that is good, but I digress...

For the people who are geninely interested in understanding and developing their skills, there nothing "stifling" about being in a place like ACCD or RISD or wherever. There's a lot to learn, the pressure is unyielding, the caliber of your comrades/competitors is high, and the variety of influences and sources of inspiration are vast. It's an environment that doesn't exist elsewhere, and almost without a doubt drives people to achieve more than they would have/could otherwise. The decision or ability to innovate still depends on the individual, just like it always did.

PS - this is obviously, I hope, more or less tongue-in-cheek

[This message has been edited by Matt (edited July 31, 2000).]

[itchi]

fred,

it makes me sad to see you post that comment about art center. i hope you somewhat mean that in jest because you are categorizing a whole school of individuals. there are many artists that have moved on past the typical art center style after they have been in the field for a while and have had time to develop in their own way. student in any school, i believe, are like most people on this message board who are young, impressionable, and trying to learn from people like you and craig. they will probably copy your work because it is faster and easier to learn and understand that way. i wouldn't rufute what you were saying if you were talking about professionals that came out of art center and continued to do that style; but i think it's a little unfair to criticize students who are just trying to learn and get a handle on their craft.

sorry, it's late and i'm probably coming off as confrontational (which i don't mean to be), but i think there is a whole other side to what you are poking fun at.

maybe i'm reading more into what you said than i should, and it may very well be that i have taken what you said too seriously.
once again i apologize for the directness, just giving my 2 cents.

-sam

p.s. wow i wish i could have gone to see craig speak!

[hennifer]

when i went to sheridan in the classical animation program (another one of those famous flagship programs) i found the same thing that fred did.

most people had tons of artistic talent, but the school taught in a very formulaic manner, preparing you to work in the industry, not to be an artist. some of the teachers, and especially the head co-ordinator really tried to stamp the creativity out of students.

i left after 6 months, and tho i don't regret going there (i learned a lot of great technical info) i'm glad i left. oh, and i'm not just your average pissed off ex-student - i quit with straight A's. =)

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hennifer

[Fred Flick Stone]

I was joking around, I just said it a little too loud. I don't have any qualms with that school, it just doesn't suit what I would call a proper art education. Design and regime yes, but art ed. no...Every school has its proteges but they are usually that before going to the school anyway,the school just ends up disciplinig them. I just made the comment because it happened and it was funny...
The place is still really sterile though...design tends to get that way...I design, I know...I am trying not to discourage anyone from going there. In fact, aside from the amount of money you have to spend for the miseducation, it really teaches you about discipline in the work place, work ethic, and surprisingly, form, shadow, etc. those things. They do have things you need to know, but get them and get out quick, or you and your parents will regret the money vs. knowledge=lesser job that holds you in debt forever situation...

I met Feng, and I have heard about TJFrame, these guys are honestly cool people. Craig, Syd, Joe Johnston, these guys are great people, but I have a big feeling that it wasn't art center that made them that way. The humble few who know they are amazing, will continue to amaze by their humble disposition in life. I am proud to have personally met a few of those guys this weekend. But again, I don't believe it was the ACCD that made them that way.

Off the box I go, sorry to offend, it was a yoke...haha...laugh a bit, we need to in a seerious world, or you'll get an ulcer, and synj will have to animate the gross end results of your hate and anger...

[Fred Flick Stone]

Why are all my posts so damn long...aack, I think I'm turning secretary...

[Mergatroid]

Fred,

I've watched the school over the years evolve and I think that the school's still pretty good but I must admit that the illustration curriculum has taken quite a blow losing Steve Huston, Vern Wilson and Richard Bunkle among others. When I was going there, these guys were the people to learn under.

Recently the school has changed their focus on to those majors who have corporate sponsorship but it doesn't mean that they will ignore everyone else. Now that Gary is chair of the illustration dept. I'm hoping that he'll bring in some good people again to make the work coming out of the school better.

Another thing that makes the school superior to some other schools is the environment. To be in such a small area filled with such talented and creative people tends to rub off on those who are alittle green under the collar. The history of those who have come before also gives the students that attend the school a sense of hope in terms of what they can become in their own futures. I wouldn't have traded in my experiences there for anything and if I had the means I'd go back to be student again.

BTW, Fred your comments are very insightful and I think that alot of the people who come to this site get alot from what you have to say.

Late,

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Mergatroid

[Matt]

I'm not sure the core issue is getting fair treatment here - and it has nothing to do with taking things "too seriously", but rather to setting the record straight, esp when various forum members have basically conceded that they take the opinions of a handful of folks as gospel.

The fact that art luminaries aren't "made" by the school the attend is utterly beside the point. What is not beside the point is the fact that so many of these people who were destined for "greatness" chose to study where they did.

The comment that students were "surprisingly" taught things like form and value is just off the wall, and I'm not going to delve into that - I *hope* that the problem with such comments are obvious. I could make some joke about riding a bicycle around the Continent with an easel strapped to your back, getting a "proper art education" on Tuscan hillsides or in the cobbled streets of Prague's old town, but that'd be wrong